Senin, 15 April 2013

[CanPassRail] RE: [A_A] Today In Railway History

In the lower level of the Chateau Laurier (I stayed there for a night in August 2001), there is an exhibit about Charles Hays and the Titanic.

The Chateau Laurier was a railroad hotel, right across the street from the new railroad station (which is now the Canadian Conference Centre; the VIA station is out of the downtown area). A track from the station goes under Wellington St. to a platform underneath the hotel, no doubt for official guests or for Charles Hays's private car.

The Chateau Laurier is now a Fairmont hotel. It is very nice, but definitely not $40 a night, and you can park in its garage, but you can't drive to the door of your room. There is a good bar and restaurant inside.

101 years ago today the Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage taking about 1,500 people to their death. Among those who died was Charles M. Hayes, president of the Grand Trunk Railway. As a result of his death the official opening of the Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa was delayed.